Surviving Your First Day as an Intern

Read on for some ways to seize the opportunity and make a good impression on the first day of your internship!

It’s the moment you’ve been looking forward to – starting your internship! Are you excited about your new role, yet nervous about adapting to the workplace? Fret not, follow these pointers for a smooth Day One.

1

Dress well

Legendary costume designer, Edith Head, once said, “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” Translate that to your internship, and it means that what you wear on your first day is important as it contributes to the image your colleagues will form of you.

Take pride in your appearance at work as it reveals the attitude you’re bringing to your work tasks and assignments.

If you’re unsure about the dress code of your workplace, it’s always safe to dress more formally on your first day. Neutral colours also count towards a professional image. Most importantly, you must feel comfortable and confident in your attire.

2

Pay attention to briefings

Most companies provide an orientation for employees and interns at the very beginning. This includes information on your role, company policy, procedures as well as rules and regulations.

Listen intently and jot down important notes such as contact details, useful key facts and other relevant information for yourself. If you aren’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to clarify your doubts.

3

Get to know your colleagues

You won’t be able to survive in your workplace if you don’t get to know your colleagues well. After all, they’ll be the ones you’ll be interacting with the most, not only as project or assignment members, but potentially as friends as well.

Get to know each of them by name, and identify those whom you’ll be working with most closely or needing help from for crucial needs. Usually, your colleagues will want to engage you more during lunch, so if you’re asked to have your break together with them, say yes!

4

Mastering the systems

Some companies might have their own database systems or applications for dayto-day work, so you’ll have to learn how to navigate them. While your colleagues are teaching you the ropes , take notes for reference in the future. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure or have any burning questions.

Besides these practical tips, don’t forget about observing workplace etiquette, such as arriving on time and minimising your distractions at work. Good luck and just do your best!